I agree with no declawing....but
Posted By: sm on 2006-12-06
In Reply to: Ouch. Yes, Romey is so right. They actually are - Sorry
one of my cats is jumping up on the corner where the two walls meet and hanging on to either side with her claws. There are now long deep lines on the walls, so many it actually looks like a design that I will need to spackle and paint soon I'm thinking. Good thing it's the bedroom and not a main room. They don't bother with the furniture so I'm lucky there. And I do have scratching posts, etc.,she apparently just gets a kick out off hanging off the wall! So, yes they can do some damage but I still won't get them declawed.
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I agree with you on declawing - it's a painful procedure -sm
and can lead to other behavioral problems. I think the scratching has less to do with the claws than their instinct to scratch. One of my cats is a front-declaw (she came that way, unfortunately) and I feel SO sorry for her. She gets so frustrated when she can't pick anything up with her front paws. She still 'scratches', too, but always uses the scratching post. They do seem to prefer that to anything. My other cat sometimes uses the rug, but it seems to be more as a precursor to a game of chase between them. I trim my clawed cat's nails frequently. The only furniture she tries to scratch on is the bedpost, which is sort of a wicker-type material I got at Ikea. But she does it rarely, and if I really cared about it, I'd protect it somehow.
You might be able to protect the furniture, at the same time enhancing the look, by getting several throws to put over vulnerable areas. Or, if it really only matters if they look good for company, I'd cover the entire piece. That way you wouldn't have to vacuum cat hair, either.
Finally, another option is a product called 'Soft Paws' - a plastic 'fake nail', basically, that is glued on over the existing claw. Kind of a pain to apply, and they do shed off when the outer nail sheds. But they look cute, come in lots of pretty colors (including clear), and they can save the furniture without traumatizing the cat.
Declawing cats
I was in the same position you were in. It was either declaw one of my cats (one always used the scratching post and caused no problems) or get rid of him. He caused hundreds of dollars of damage tearing up our wood bansters and bay window. I was totally against it, but I did have it done and he had no problems at all. He's also an indoor cat. I know those who declaw their cats will get a lot of slamming from those who are against it, but you have to do what's right in your situation.
There are other ways. Declawing is actually -
an AMPUTATION of the entire distal phalanx in the cat's toes; it isn't just the claw that is removed. It's one of a cat's most sensitive areas. Imagine having your finger and toe-tips amputated, and then having to walk around on them! Some cats go on to have problems afterward with their personalities, or stop using their litter-boxes because it's painful to dig. Even though an indoor cat is SUPPOSED to be indoors, unexpected things can happen: A door accidentally left ajar, a handyman forgets to close it as he dashes out to his truck for an extra tool, unknowing friends or visitors who forget to keep the door closed, or a kitty who is an escape-artist can lead to the cat getting outside. Or, in the midst of a catastrophe, such as a flood, fire, earthquake, etc., the cat could end up outside and on its own for anywhere from hours to months. Their claws are their first line of defense against attackers, and their ability to climb is often their only hope of escape.
What I do with my cat is TRIM all the claws regularly with a nail-clipper. Takes about 5 minutes, and is all she needs. Another, rather STYLISH option is using "Soft Paws". They are little plastic tips (and can come in a rainbow of colors!) that are glued to the tips of the cat's nails. They last until the outer part of the nail finally sheds. That would certainly be worth the time it took to apply.
I once adopted a rescue-kitty that had been declawed in all four feet.
Even though she was a gorgeous, purebred, show-quality chinchilla Persian, she had been in four different shelters, and kept getting returned after being adopted because of major litterbox issues. Former adopters had returned her time and again, and she had been scheduled for euthanasia when she was pulled from the shelter by a rescue organization. I adopted her, even though she was 10 yrs. old, because I knew that otherwise she'd probably spend the rest of her life in a crowded rescue setting.
Her poor little feet were so sensitive that she wouldn't let you touch them, and it took a while to get her using her litter box because didn't like to dig in the litter. Even playing was frustrating for her, as she could rarely successfully catch the toy she was chasing.
Also, depending on what state you live in, declawing may not be legal. I would suggest talking to your vet, or even a local rescue organization or other cat expert, about the different ways you could solve the problem without giving up your cats or mutilating their paws by declawing.
Alternative to declawing
I use a product called Softclaws. They are plastic caps that you glue on you cat's front paws and it lasts about 5 weeks. They are kind of a pain to apply, but they really do work and Matt The Cat got used to them pretty quickly. I don't know, but maybe it would be worth a try before you opt for surgery. Here's the site. http://www.softclaws.com. Good luck!
http://www.declawing.com/ nm
z
Gotta a cat question... what is the consensus on declawing? SM
My cat likes to sharpen her claws on my leather office chair. I always immediately scold her when she does it and I make her stop, but my chair has got little puncture marks on it which is irritating. My sister had her cat declawed and he was in so much pain for like two weeks afterwards. I just don't think I can do it no matter how irritating it is when my kitty scratches on my chair. My vet offers declawing as a service, but she tells me it is akin to having all our fingernails and toelnails ripped off! YEOWCH!
So I'm thinking no...
What an awesome post! I agree, agree, agree completely with you.
 You are right on the money in my book! 
I agree, try to live in another country, then you will also agree...nm
nm
absolutement! Agree! Agree! Agree!
Why is it so hard to understand this? HMOs are just middlemen who get everything balled up and costly!
I agree with you - not judging either but agree (nm)
:)
and I agree with you *nn* -
I agree......
I agree with everyone's reply here. Also--one more thing...DO NOT TOUCH THE RADIO/CD PLAYER WHILE DRIVING!! It was 17 years ago that one of my best friends was killed this way-very responsible girl, just did not think for that one moment.
I was a responsible teen, but my parents set strict rules on my driving. At the time, I did not understand but now that I have a 10-year-old son who keeps reminding me each year that he will be driving in __ years, I understand completely. If it were an option for us, I would keep my kids babies forever.
Another thing you can do, just to maybe ease your mind about driving is take her to the local police department and have them to show actual footage of accidents. I know that sounds pretty harsh, but it has saved a lot of kids lives in my surrounding area.
Hope this helps!!
wow - I sure do agree with you!!....sm
I would rather them be locked in a car driving than strolling or walking alone - In Florida - we have had MANY YOUNG KIDS killed (murder) by being alone walking to and from school. My children are VERY responsible and pay for everything, except that car insurance (which is wayyyyyyyyy too much) which I offered to pay until age 28. By the age of 28, they'll be earning more $$. My OLD brother (and he's very old *LOL*) did this for his son until age 28 (think he's about 38 now) because of the exhorbitant insurance rates. I decided to follow suit. If we have it, why shouldn't we help them. I'd rather help my children while I'M ALIVE AND KICKING rather than what they get when I die, IF there is anything to get *LOL*
Y'all have a GREAT day!
Remember, we can all agree to disagree without being nasty and rude.
and I so agree with you!!!.....sm
One of my children saved all the Xmas/holiday/birthday $$ ever received from toddler-hood so that at 17 had $6000+ and put it down on a BRAND NEW SMALL CAR, albeit I had to co-sign the balance. Child did pay the rest off. I too am very proud of the children who are young still, one has worked for 10 years already (started off part-time at about 14 after school by own choice).
Yep, I want kids to hang out in multiple numbers today - never walking alone - too many CREEPS out there in the USA today and they are EVERYWHERE....really creepy to me.........
Let's sing out for the responsible good kids who are out there trying to live life in this messed-up world!!!!
HOORAY FOR THE CHILDREN!!!! They are our future and if we don't back them, well then we are up the creek without a paddle, right? 
I agree...
Don't be too quick to judge! Last I knew car seats can be moved from one car to another! It's so sad that a few rotten apples out there ruin it for the people who really need the help! Hope you are never in a situation where you may need a little help.
I agree
Hey, Chillie, I love what you said. It's time somebody did. All this political correctness crap is getting to the point where it really offends me. And I'm SOMEBODY, TOO!!! Thanks.
It all goes to what you agree to when you take the job
If you take the job knowing that it involves working the holiday or the night of or the night before then it is your obligation to do so. That is the way of this trade. Then the days following the holiday we are "dead" and everyone is yelling for work. Kind of like the hospitals, the police, the fire department, the stores half the time -- we all know what is expected when we accept the job. If you knew that it was expected of you when you said yes -- then I think it is your obligation to work. If you have your own accounts or are an IC then you have the right to say no but don't complain when nothing comes your way the day or two after the holoidays. I chose to have my own accounts and some are open the day after Thanksgiving and so what I pick up on late Weds has to be back by early Friday and so somwhere in that timeframe I have to get it done. I might have a few more hours to do it but also have a family and life so will squeeze it in. Then Friday I will have what was dictated on Weds and have to work on over the weekend. So you see you are not alone but this has been the way since I have been doing this, close to 20+ years. Before that when I worked in office/clinics we were never closed for the Friday after Thanksgiving, saw patients until 6 on Weds, back at 8 on Friday. Anway got things to do. Patti
I agree
I was in management also and I was lucky in that there were only a certain few MTs that were very stubborn about not working holidays or flat out refused. Most were willing to compromise, maybe do one major holiday and have off the other, or even put in a few hours of their choice. It is those who refuse to work all holidays that can mess things up for everyone. For if everyone refused, what then? I guess it would then have to become mandatory???? Exactly!
I agree with you...
Even if the story you were told is true, there's still something not right about the situation. Best to make sure your daughter's not in any danger, I'd do the same thing! Good luck...I feel for the other family though...how hard would that be?
I agree...
My husband is far from dispensable! He's my best friend too. He's a wonderful father, husband, son, brother, everything! We've been married for almost 20 years and I love and need him more today than I did in the beginning. Men are getting an unfair wrap here...although I completely sympathize with the OP. That's her situation, though, not every marriage comes down to that.
Like I said before (and my post was deleted for some reason) I am looking forward to growing old with my husband...raising grandchildren...hopefully finally getting to travel. I do believe the best has yet to come for us!
I 100% agree.
x
I agree
My friend and I went on a sugar free diet - it lasted 2 days. After numerous trips to the restroom, we both finally came to the conclusion that it was the sugar substitutes. Go for Splenda... After removing sugar substitues we had no more problems.
I agree and not only that - what about the
actions speak louder than words - if he wasn't guilty he would've stuck around..........would have had nothing to run from if he was innocent......and that's another thing - in the case, he was NOT found NOT GUILTY - he was found innocent by a reasonable doubt....(pssst - cause he's still guilty)...LOL
if it looks like a horse, smells like a horse, acts like a horse, it is not a swan!
RIP Ron and Nicole......
I agree sm
If you take hungry men a meal of sand covered with some cheese, they are gonna say it is great. It was very funny to me too. I am a country fair blue ribbon winner. Of course they are not gonna say this tastes awful. I make the best blue ribbon potato salad. I mean really, if you take hungry men anything, they are not gonna tell your husband it was mediocore, hungry men will eat almost anything.
I agree with you...
Your original intention was to "feel" out how others felt about your situation. You never argued with anyone who replied earlier with anything but thanks. Log off now, and forget about the rants and raves. I hope you have a good evening.
I agree
I have never been big on that with my kids, never felt comfortable with it even when they were much younger. As ridiculous as it may sound, I can remember finding out there was no Santa and I was incredibly upset that my parents lied to me. Christmas is not about Santa. Still bugs me. haha.
I don't agree with your vet.
When I finally saw my dog going through a partial seizure, she was definitely scared and in pain. Afterwards she almost stopped breathing. Hers were caused by a tumor, but in a young dog like yours, it is almost certainly epilepsy. I have a friend whose dog has epilepsy with terrible seizures, and now he's on medication and only has 1 seizure a month. They are all much happier. If I were you I'd change vets because I'd be worried the seizures were causing brain damage.
I agree, but...
not everyone can multitask. Fortunately, it is nice to be able to simultaneously do laundry and type at the same time. No one should be sitting in front of a PC for 8 hours straight. You have to get up and stretch, so why not switch the clothes from washer to dryer, or catch the news or have a cup of tea for a few minutes. If you were inhouse, you would be at the water cooler. Working at home is a privilege, but even people who work inhouse take advantage. I have seen where fellow employees are taking personal phone calls, balancing their checkbook, making appointments, asking others opinions regarding personal issues, etc. Lighten up!!!! You will either be diligent or not off-site or not... No one can type and clean at the same time, but it sure makes it easier to dust your living room, and then go type for a while.... Oh my! That is why I love this board!
I agree
For the first year or two I went to an accountant he was very helpful. But then after I realized that I was doing 80% of his work for him and I do understand taxes quite well, I bought Turbo Tax and for the past 10 to 12 years have used Turbo Tax. You have to figure out how much sq ft your office is versus your house to find the percentage you get to take off for mortgage payment. utilities, etc. Also he will let you know what the pros and cons are for depreciating your home. Since I figure on dying here -- and not in the near future -- I have been using the depreciation. If you use your car for any mileage related to your business, supplies, delivering, banking you can take that off. Ask him about setting up a SEP fund -- self employment pension fund -- even if you only contribute 5 to 10% that helps to bring down what you pay SSN, every dollar helps. Good luck, once he does it for you then you can use last year guidelines for how to do it.
I agree 100%
I also suffered from HPV and had to endure 4 colposcopies as well as a LEEP procedure. If this had been available when I was younger, I would have gotten the vaccine. There is always risk to these types of things and it is a matter of personal preferance as to what you choose to do.
I agree. sm
And it was even worse in the days of pay toilets what we had to endure.
I remember sitting there broken heated.
Paid a dime and only farted.
I agree as with the others
Definitely don't get tempted on the business trip, and if he wants you he needs to get rid of the other one.
It is really easy to cheat on a business trip and come home to the wife/steady girlfriend like nothing happened (for some anyway).
I agree with everyone here and I have --sm
been in your shoes too, in the past. Only thing is that I was not mature enough way back then to keep business separate from *high school feelings* and the only one that got hurt was me. I felt not so bright in the head, and *cheap* afterwards.
He is still in his present relationship for a reason and since it seems so easy for this man to forget that, I would stay WAY clear of him! (gotten smarter in my old age). IF he leaves his present girlfriend, which I seriously doubt, then MAYBE, but also keep in mind that he was willing to step out of bounds on that relationship to see what could be done with you, and I would almost bet this is not the first time, so if things ever got serious between the two of you....how easy would it be for him to do it to you after 7 years or so?
It just seems so easy for a man to change his life like he changes his pants every day with no qualms about who he hurts in the process. Keep your dignity...don't do it. Just my 2 cents. good luck to you!
Agree with you
A lot of teens are going to have sex before marriage. My 17-year-old daughter came to me last fall about wanting to go on the pill. She is in her first serious relationship, so I took her. I had a pregnancy scare in high school and it was not fun and I was very honest with her about that.
My daughter is not getting the vaccine because it is too new and I don't think anyone knows the long-term problems that could come from it. Hopefully by the time my daughter is having this discussion with her daughter, it will either have been proven safe or pulled off the market, but my daughter is not going to be a guinea pig.
I so agree!!!.......................nm
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I agree.
A broken heart can kill you, if not dramatically reduce your zest for life. I know a woman whose teenage son died of suicide. She still visits his grave everyday. This has been over 12 years ago. She said if it was not for her other other, she would have died.
Yes. I agree. nm
nm
And I agree with you...he's no....sm
He's no Judge Judy or Judge Millian (Marilyn) or Judge Mathis or any of them.....he seems to be merely an ATTENTION SEEKER.
Judge (*and I use the term JUDGE loosely here*) Larry Seidlin is a 3-ring-circus unto himself with his one-liners and cliches...remember folks, he is a former cabdriver in Bronx, NY and is exactly what he *sounds* like in the courtroom....chastising the attorneys, calling them/addressing them by state , i.e., *Texas...sit down*....or things to that effect...and yet taking every single momentary opportunity to push his OWN agenda, and what I mean by that is HOGGING THE SPOTLIGHT and CAMERAS!!! He's nauseating!!! 
So, Irish Mom....GMTA (great minds think alike) !!! 
I agree
I think she purposely wanted to be buried as far away from her mother as possible and also keep Daniel away from her - can't say I blame her after everything I heard about her upbringing. The reality is in my opinion than Anna Nicole is already with her son now somewhere in spirit. The bodies are just empty shells.
yes jen, i agree
do not want husband/girlfriend in the same pkg. well put.
I agree with that too...yuk! gag! nm
nm
I agree ER MT
I agree that Anna would want to be buried next to her son and not in a town that she basically ran away from. My mother wanted to be cremated and sprinkled in the ocean and that is exactly what we did. I have no gravesite to visit but that is okay, she is in my heart. Why doen't her mother just let all this go.
I agree...
This is how sterotypes get perpetuated. I was born and raised in Alabama and I now live in Georgia. I have never been a 'fat and butter' eater. I always try to eat healthy. In fact, most of my family, friends, and acquaintances eat in a healthy manner as well...for the most part.
I also noticed how she heaps tons of butter on everything. One day I saw her put about 1/4-stick of butter on ONE baked potato. Also, my mom told me last night that Paula smokes. I didn't believe it! I googled her name and then 'smokes' and sure enough, there it was. She is shortening her life by the way she eats.
We agree again!
Taylor was alright, but any Michael McDonald/Doobie Brothers song will fill that vocal type. And if you like the spastic show, watch Joe Cocker!
Taylor was a pale imitation, mostly.
Agree.
They are not paying the bills for that said property. Smoking is still legal ya' know!
Agree, but............sm
We lived in south Florida about 20 years ago and the reports were they were finding medical waste on the beaches. We have also lived in the Florida panhandle, where the beaches are absolutely gorgeous, and around the northeast beaches and those were definitely cleaner.
Agree
Sanjaya needs to get out. Go! Go! Go already!!!!
I agree and wish there was a different way they could do this SM
so the good ones stay and the bad ones go, but then their ratings may take a fall.
Agree 100%!
Thank you! I thought I was the only one here that wasn't still living in the dark ages! You are so right, the people that think teaching anything but abstinence is like telling kids it's OK to have sex make me laugh. It does not and will not ever work! Yes, you teach both young girls and boys for that matter to have selfworth and value themselves and the consequences of sex and hope they are armed with enough self-esteem to make the right choices for them. Then, just as importantly, you need to teach them about safe sex and birth control options. That doesn't encourage them to have sex, only to be safe about it and to feel comfortable enough with their parents to discuss such issues and ask questions. Lets face it, they are going to do it if they really want to.
Talking all this immorality nonesense is just teaching young women that it's OK to judge other women for their choices, and I think that is so wrong. Something someone else does can be not right for you, but that doesn't make the other person bad or mean they should be looked down upon either. I would so much rather have people like you in the world who talk to their daughters openly about sex and teach them about birth control than I would someone yacking at them about their own agenda and morals! Good for you for educating instead of judging and sending your daughter out in the world prepared!
I agree--sm
about the money trail thing. Just last night, I saw that Romney candidate (millionaire) wanting to give his college student fund raisers a part of the amount they raise. Talk about bribery! so sad!
I also agree about the "Patriot Act". I think there are some people who are beginning to see through some of this stuff, and are wanting to really change it, but sadly, I really do not see how. Once they have the power to do certain things, it is hard to get that back. Thanks for understanding.
I so agree with you...
My parents are both dog people and are just not even cat "likers" so I was never around cats until I married my husband, who has had cats all his life. We've had quite a few over the last 22 years. One of our latest, I brought into the house after her mother abandoned her. She barely filled the palm of my hand and was practically frozen. I figured I was just bringing her in to die, but she made a remarkable recovery. I bottle fed her and everything, so I really got an education. She's now 3 1/2. Love my cats!
Hope yours is better soon.
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